Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) affects as many as 5 million Americans, making it the most common heart arrhythmia diagnosed. More than just an interruption in normal heart rhythm, AFib can have serious health risks including stroke and sudden cardiac death. Treatment for AFib can vary depending on the severity and regularity of episodes or symptoms, but may include medication therapy to reduce the risk for stroke, cardiac ablation, lifestyle modifications or surgical intervention.
Oklahoma Heart Institute cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. David Sandler says treating AFib is not a cookie-cutter approach for all patients. In addition to available treatment options, Dr. Sandler is also interested in the mind-body connection for triggering and relieving AFib episodes. He recently interviewed University of Kansas cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy at the 10th Annual Heart Rhythm Symposium hosted by the Oklahoma Heart Research and Education Foundation regarding his study published on the benefit of yoga for AFib patients.